DAVE Artell believes Crewe have developed a resolve that will help them cope with the new challenges thrown their way by League One football.

The Alex host Charlton in their first game in the third tier in four years tomorrow and the Alex boss suspects that it could be one of their "stiffest" tests in the opening months because two divisions lay between the clubs last term.

But Artell says his players are no soft touch now and he is looking forward to seeing how they cope as he looks to bed five new recruits into the set-up.

"We spoke to a lad at Bolton after the EFL Trophy game (on Tuesday) and he was telling one of our staff that two or three years ago how he felt you could 'go to Crewe and be physical with them and win the game'," said Artell. "But that is not the case anymore and we feel we've got over that hurdle.

"But there will be other challenges ahead, not necessarily strength, but maybe speed or athleticism which is what happens when you go up the ladder."

Among his new recruits Omar Beckles, Mikael Mandron and Offrande Zanzala saw action in midweek.

Injury has kept defender Donervon Daniels out since pre-season and Artell confirmed that Crewe still have "one or two" in the treatment room. Keeper Will Jaaskelainen is available again after international duty.

The action is again behind closed doors and Thursday's government announcement may see that state of affairs continue well into next month.

But Crewe remain Covid-secure with no positive results after three rounds of tests among players and staff. Despite the absence of fans the level of excitement ahead of another season still resonates with Crewe's manager, who has dismissed some Perry Ng rumours with a humorous aside.

"That chip shop paper hasn't flown into my inbox or my office. I think it's an easy assumption when a team like Notts Forest sell a right-back, but I've not heard anything from them, not even a whisper. Whatever chip shop that has come from then they should concentrate on battering fish," said Artell.

"It's Christmas Eve for me although there'll be no present wrapping or midnight mass, but there might be a few prayers. This time is always the most optimistic of the year for me because everyone thinks their team is going to be brilliant," he added.

"We feel as though we're a League One team and we feel as though we should be in League One. And we're going to find out over the next few months exactly how much of a League One team we are."

"We feel as though we've recruited well, but the proof will be in pudding over the next few months. We've got to make sure the players that have been brought in and the players who were already here make us better as a team."